Stronger front end parts?

[mgray]

Are there any companies out there building ball joints, idler/pitman, drag link, or tie rods that are bigger or stronger than the GM/Delco ones?

Other than those idler/pitman braces from Nor-Cal, how can I strengthen my front end?

 

[TurboTahoe]

That's a good question!

This was covered in some details a few days ago - you can often find a lot with the search function. http://www.dieseltowingresource.com/showthread.php?t=11437&highlight=beef+front

Sincerely,

Rob

 

[Matt Bachand]

Are there any companies out there building ball joints, idler/pitman, drag link, or tie rods that are bigger or stronger than the GM/Delco ones?

Other than those idler/pitman braces from Nor-Cal, how can I strengthen my front end?

I am pretty sure all 4 of my ball joints are still original with 130k on the clock. Proper greasing and they last a long time. I also hank a 1k lb plow on the front of the pig.

They are tight as can be still. however, the rubber is lookin a bit dry.

 

[Brooklyn Tow]

One word.......Grease

 

[Matt Bachand]

One word.......Grease

Proper maintenance goes along way, Agreed. I try to get under there every month, or every other month. New habit of mine is to keep a can of gloss black rustoleum next to me every time i'm under the beast. Anything thats not aluminum or black, turns black fast.

 

[davo727]

Norcal trucks sells support braces that use a heim joint to convert the idler and pitman arms from single shear to double shear and make the parts last a lot longer. They also have a stronger idler arm frame bracket.

http://www.norcaltruck.com/shop/index.php?cPath=2_385&osCsid=50cf173ea954285986a37bc5e1a34237

 

[davo727]

And pitman support

 

[Matt Bachand]

I bet those make all the difference in the world! Very stout!